US Senator extends Vaisakhi wishes, says Sikhs contributed to growth of US 'in many ways'

Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania on Wednesday greeted “ large and vibrant” Sikh members of community in Pennsylvania and worldwide a joyous Vaisakhi. Toomey ted that Sikhs, that trace ir origin in India’s Punjab region, demonstrate a strong sense of brorhood, selfless service, family, and community. On occasion of 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur this week and Vaisakhi, Pennsylvania Senator told Senate floor: "I extend my best wishes to Sikh community for joyous celebrations of ''vaisakhi'' and 400th anniversary of birth of Guru Tegh Bahadur.” He celebrated ideals of 600-year-old Sikhism saying that tradition and principles of faith are built on ideals of peace, respect, and equality.

"In 1675, Guru Teg Bahadur confronted Mughal emperor Aurangzeb against forced religious conversion of Hindus, an act for which he was publicly beheaded in Delhi. In giving his life to protect a religion that was t his own, he is fondly remembered by Sikhs as ''Dharam Di Chadar'', or Shield of Religions," Toomey explained. 

"Today, Sikh population in world stands at 30 million, making it one of world's major religions. Nearly 700,000 Sikhs live in United States, and many of m have made Pennsylvania ir home," Toomey was quoted saying by PTI. “Sikhs share a strong sense of community, family, and selfless service, as evidenced by ir commitment to welcoming and serving individuals from all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds,” he continued. US senator admired Sikhism principle dedicated to equality wherein Sikh community believed that every individual was created equal before God, matter ir race, , religion, or creed.  Toomey hailed community’s commitment to welcoming and serving every individual, hailing across all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination. 

"While pandemic has prevented such large scale, public celebrations both last year and this year, I look forward to welcoming Pennsylvania''s Sikh community back to D.C. in years to come,” Pennsylvania Senator said. "In addition to celebrating ''vaisakhi'', Sikhs will also mark 400th anniversary of birth of spiritual leader Guru Tegh Bahadur on April 18. Ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered as a champion of religious liberty for all,” he continued. 

Lauded Sikh community's efforts during Pandemic

“In my own travels across Commonwealth, I have witnessed firsthand spirit of this community when meeting with Sikh constituents. It is clear y have enriched ir neighbourhoods and contributed in numerous ways to growth and vitality of Pennsylvania and United States," Toomey said on Wednesday. He lauded Sikh community’s efforts of mobilizing food, groceries, masks, and or supplies to help tens of thousands of families during ongoing coronavirus pandemic. "As a proud member of American Sikh Congressional Caucus, each year, I join many voices across Congress and United States in commemorating holiday of ''Vaisakhi'', which took place on April 13 this year," he said. festival of Vaisakhi marks spring harvest for Sikhs and serves as a ‘day of reflection’ when Sikhs commemorate 1699 finding of Khalsa Panth. US President Joe Biden also took to his official Twitter handle to wish Sikh community across United States Vaisakhi festival.